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Hello everyone! :)

Hi guys! I'm new here. I was hoping someone could help me. I've had a rash on my cheeks and nose for four months and it has been slowly spreading to chin and forehead. It doesn't itch. Before this started I had a slight fever, achy just thought I was getting sick, it lasted a few days then went away.

I've seen a dermatologist, allergist and primary care dr and no one has been able to tell me what I have (also it doesn't help that they don't let me finish telling them all of my symptoms before taking a guess at what I have).

my symptoms:

-feeling exhausted after simple things like washing the dishes
-malar rash
-hyperhydrosis
-rash gets worse when out in the sun
-hair loss
-bruise like a banana
-migraine sufferer
-nails and tips of fingers turn slightly purplish when really cold
-dizzy spells
-dry mouth
-in 2006 I was given physical therapy for both of my knees (simultaneously) due to having excrutiating pain when trying to bend them. diagnosis was inconclusive. Hasn't happened since. My fingers on my right hand swell up several times a week but no pain.

they sent me for blood work and my liver enzymes were high, almost double the normal range (dr has not treated me for this, also haven't been explained what this means). ANA was negative. My allergist put me on MethylPrednisolone and i'm finally seeing my face clear up. I guess my question is, could I have lupus?

Hello and Welcome to our family;
As we are not doctors, we cannot tell you if your symptoms are truly Lupus or not. However, your symptoms are consistent with those suffered by persons with auto-immune disorders (of which there are over 60 possibilities and Lupus is included in those). It is possible for a person to have Lupus with a negative ANA, but it is also possible that you may have another AI issue.
You might want to read through the stickys at the top of each forum here at WHL, they are filled with information that may answer some of your questions. They will also provide you with a lot of information about Lupus and other AI diseases. Arming yourself with information will be helpful the next time that you see your doctors so that YOU can tell them what tests you'd like them to run in order to determine exactly what is causing your problems. We must learn to take control of our health care and not be afraid to demand things (action, tests, answers, treatment, etc.) from our doctors. Often, we have had to educate our doctors about our disease in order for them to provide us with appropriate care and treatment.
We are here to help you do this and to help you find a way to manage your symptoms and learn how to make the best of your life with your illness. You are not alone! I wish you the very best.

Thank u so much for your reply Saysusie!!!! I am now beginning to realize that this is only the beginning to what might be a very long journey to actually putting a label to my illness. I've heard "you need to take more vitamins, workout more, you just need to get out of the house". I'm glad I found this site as now I don't feel like it's all in my head. I've made an appointment with an AI specialist for next month. Until then I'll try and enjoy the summer with my kids as much as I can (unfortunately it'll be more indoors than out ). I'll be checking out the stickies you mentioned!